Clinging to His Peace in the Unknown

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

I am going to be completely honest with you and say I am struggling today. It is hard to think about the months to come and envision how they will look. A few questions I usually ask myself before I write are:

• “What will the readers want to read about?”
• “Are there any big holidays or national themes to focus on?”
• “What has God been revealing to me that I can share?”

We are currently living in an unforeseen time. The federal and local governments have extended social distancing practices for the foreseeable future, and I have no idea how the months ahead will look. Will we be back to normal at some point? Will we still be quarantined? Is everyone going to be laughing about how they have enough toilet paper to last them a year? While I am not living in fear, it is still hard to process the unknown.

At the beginning of March, I was talking with friends who were planning on going to Walt Disney World for spring break, and they were questioning if they should cancel their trip. I was very adamant that they should not cancel and that it would be fine. “Just Go!” I told them. Within a matter of days, though, the world changed. Our lives as we knew them changed. The month of March was canceled, and Walt Disney World closed. I texted my friends, “Well, I didn’t see that coming!”

Here’s the thing—whether a crisis is personal or global, we likely won’t see it coming. The future is always unknown.

Every year, I choose one word. This year, God laid it on my heart for that word to be peace. I am not by nature a worrier; however, while I don’t tend to worry, I also wasn’t seeking God’s peace. I was living more on my own independence and having a carefree attitude more than allowing the peace of God to sustain me. When we allow the Prince of Peace to rule in our hearts and we trust in his faithfulness, we can experience his peace.

Right now, having no idea what tomorrow holds, all I can do is seek the peace that my heavenly Father offers. Even if this whole pandemic is behind us soon, it does not mean I won’t need his peace. And if we are still in the midst of it, it does not mean God is not faithful. The God of creation is always at work, and although we may not ever understand his ways this side of heaven, he is still good.

Dear heavenly Father, you are the God who was, who is, and is to come! Whatever we are going through right now, whatever our circumstances, they are not unknown to you. You are with us, and you want us to put our hope and trust in you. Lord, help us not to be fearful or worry about tomorrow. Help us to cling to your peace. Lord, it is so hard to process and live in unknown times, to not fret about the future, but Lord, we know that you are good, and your love prevails. Thank you, Lord, for your ever-present help. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

 Scripture for Reflection

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matt. 6:25 NIV)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thess. 3:16 NIV)

Reach for More

Are you experiencing the peace that transcends all understanding? Are you clinging to the peace of God, which he has given as a gift to us? If worry and fear are overcoming you, repeat the phrase, “Jesus has overcome the world” until his peace resides in you. God calls us to live a life fully surrendered to him and to trust him and his ways. What can you do today to share his peace with someone else?

Heather Gerwing is living the full life with her husband, Jeff, four kids, and a dog in Metro Detroit. Heather enjoys reading, writing, coffee-ing, and serving in youth ministry. She was born a Jersey girl and feels most at home on a beach. She is the host of the monthly link-up, Share Four Somethings. You can join Heather on the journey to living the full life at www.heathergerwing.com.

Photograph © Radu Florin, used with permission